R360 Competition Athletes Face 10-Year Suspension from NRL
The athlete earned 20 caps for New Zealand before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Australian rugby league's governing body has declared that athletes who sign with the “rebel” R360 competition will be banned for 10 years.
The new league, set to start in 2026, is aiming to attract rugby union and rugby league players with substantial agreements and a slimmed-down game calendar.
Top NRL stars have reportedly received offers by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides operating from key urban centers worldwide.
Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for the Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had discussions with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
Several leading union teams, including Australia, last week imposed a ban on athletes signing with R360 playing test matches.
“We've listened to our franchises and we've acted decisively,” commented Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will always be groups that seek to pirate our sport for potential financial gain.
“They avoid funding in development systems or the growth of athletes. They merely capitalize on the hard work of other organizations, putting players at risk of monetary damage while gaining personally.
“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is co-founded by retired international Tindall and backed by independent financiers.
After the prospective union sanctions were declared recently, it stated: “We aim to collaborate collaboratively as part of the international rugby schedule.
“The series is designed with customized calendars for men's and women's teams and the organization will allow all athletes for global fixtures, as included in their deals.”
R360 will seek approval for its proposals from rugby union's governing body, rugby union's administrative organization, at its council meeting next year.
